When It Pours, He Reigns: Overcoming Life's Storms

by Holly Wagner

The seas were stormy and perilous as the Apostle Paul, a prisoner, and his fellow passengers headed toward Rome. Tales of their horrifying voyage-and the specific actions they took in order to survive-are the basis for this modern-day "storm survival guide" by Holly Wagner. In her trademark witty style, Holly uses Scripture passages and her own life experiences to deliver humorous yet poignant principles for facing any crisis life throws at you. Chapters

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2004

Reviews

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going through storms is inevitable during our life's journey. What's your storm? A financial crisis, a massive debt? A family issue? A stormy marriage? An unexpected diagnosis? A career disappointment? While all of these things can catch us blindsided, our faith in Christ can sustain us through all of them, but only IF we are also willing to put in our share of work. To work at our marriage, to work at our faith, to work on our relationships. In this short, easy-to-read book, Holly walks us through Biblical principles such as finding hope, being anchored in the Word of God, figuring out our priorities, not bailing even when the going gets tough, and remembering that God is in control. Loosely based on Acts 27, the story of the Apostle Paul and his entourage being stuck in a wild shipwreck, Holly shares from a wealth of knowledge and her personal experiences ranging from a church plant that almost flopped, physically living near an earthquake fault-line, and dealing with a terrifying breast cancer ordeal. I've read several of Holly's works and she is a great writer who speaks with passion and deep emotion, but also an unshakeable trust and faith in God. I only have two small criticisms about this book: firstly, I think she repeats a lot in her work. She often references her book "God Chicks" rather than coming up with new and fresh material. Secondly, her book is definitely more devotional than theological. While I appreciate her exposition of Acts 27, it often takes the Bible out of context in favour of a more emotional approach. Still, if you're going through a tough time or just want to equip yourself for when hard times when inevitably hit home, I recommend you pick up this book!

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Wagoner takes the storms of life and helps the reader to accept those storms as steps to become closer to God. He uses the storms in our lives, many of our own making because of our choices and self- indulgence to develop in us the man or woman God wants to use to reach those who are also in need of a Savior, which is His purpose for each of us . Her easy style is down to earth and made me feel better about myself.